Abstract P2-13-01: Effects of 12-Week Resistance Training on Strength, Fatigue Syndrome and Quality of Life with Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy

Introduction: Up to 100% of all breast cancer patients are suffering from fatigue during chemotherapy [Mock 2001, Jacobsson 1998, Irvine 1994]. Causality as well as the treatment of this non-uniform symptom complex is yet unclear. Exercising studies show a positive effect of endurance training on the development of fatigue [Dimeo 2003]. The study situation regarding feasibility and efficiency of pure resistance training with breast cancer patients with fatigue is still unsatisfactory [De Backer 2009, Courneya 2007].

Methods: In this prospective, controlled, randomized study 32 female patients were recruited 6 weeks after operation. 20 probands (IG) accomplished a 12-week resistance training (2 x per week, 60 min each with 75% of the maximum voluntary capacity) during adjuvant chemotherapy. The control group (CG, n=12) did not train. The measurements took place before and after the intervention and maximally isometric and isocinetic strength was tested with the Isomed 2000. Quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 inclusive module BR23 and fatigue symptoms by the MFI questionnaires.

Results: No exacerbations could be observed during the study. Strength (p=0.029), fatigue (p=0.048) and different ranges of the quality of life significantly improved in IG, while in CG fatigue and quality of life worsened. 4 out of 5 ranges of the fatigue diagnostic (f.e. General Fatigue, p=0.01) as well as nearly all ranges of the quality of life evaluation were significantly different between IG and KG. In addition, muscle strength (of the arm concerned) showed significant differences between the groups (p=0.032).

Discussion: It could be shown for the first time, that maximum strength testing as well as resistance training with breast cancer patients were feasible already 6 weeks post-OP. Positively, the increase in muscle power, the reduction of fatigue symptoms and the improvement of the quality of life occurred despite concurrent cytotoxic treatment. We rate the high acceptance of the training program as a success. Based on the positive results and the past studies [De Backer 2009, Courneya 2007] we recommend the integration of strength training into the early rehabilitation of breast cancer patients. We note that this study will be completed by December 2010 yet further studies have to be conducted, in order to better understand the effects of different training intensities. Literature:

Courneya et al.: JCO 2007; 25: 4396-4404

Dimeo et al.: Sup Care in Canc 2003; 11:S623-628

Irvine et al. Cancer Nurs 1994; 17: 367-378

Jacobsson et al. J Pain Symptom Manage 1999;18 (4): 233-242

Mock V. Cancer Suppl 2001; 92 (6): 1699-1707

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-13-01.